In the event you Pursue your Master’s Degree within the Military?

OPINION: I’m sure reading the title most people who have not served will assume it’s a no-brainer. I mean the military is purchasing your education. Organizations like Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) have thousands and thousands of lobbyers advocating for service people. Kind one decide never to earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will show you now, neither I nor someone else can answer that after you are looking at speaking for your mass.


The Military allow us the opportunity to meet individuals coming from all parts of society. In mid-air Force (that we am certain that it’s precisely the same for all those branches), everyone’s story is different. Perhaps you enlisted together with your associates or bachelor’s degree already and now you’re looking to strengthen your understanding. Or maybe you honestly must check a box for professional development. In accordance with the Air Force Demographics, Air Force enlisted members only take into account 1.8% of master’s degree in comparison to the 46.3% of these officers. This statistic emphasizes the varying education levels between those who find themselves enlisted vs officers.

So why NOT

Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect never to pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for all, but merely just snapshot of what I’ve experienced both personally and thru the eye area of my peers. Usually, essentially the most challenging obstacle can be time, specifically duty schedule for shift workers. Many active duty members who take benefit from educational benefits may attend classes online as a result of an unpredictable schedule. Based on your learning style this will likely become another barrier when compared with traditional learning environments. Eventually being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, for example having a family, households where single parents serve, single parents, etc. All circumstances vary, but there’s always challenges along this rocky road.

Twelve years into my service and that i had (Permanent Change of Station) PCS into my eighth assignment, excluding deployments. Each assignment provided its very own struggles; including occasions when I became scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or the opposite. Another hurdle for Deployed members may be the uncertainty of continuing in their current career field post service. There are several career paths that benefit from a license or certification as opposed to a graduate degree. Or perhaps one joined the service to avoid an elegant educational setting, but end up necessary to engage in traditional learning environments greater than expected.

Why you need to

In the same way I gave you reasons why service members elect never to continue their education (at least put up a battle), you will find just like various reasons, if not more, why they must. Personal growth can be had through countless platforms but let’s boost the comfort if it’s not documented by the right institute the validity of your degree or certification declines. There’s not just adding your company name into a certificate; it’s gaining the technical comprehension of your respective field. It’s another couple of proving your dedication by subtracting the additional step, letting others know you take yourself seriously and they are on the way to the manager level.

Why wouldn’t anyone want to expand their knowledge in their dedicated field associated with preference? There is a common assumption that you’re “in the field” experience lets you really see the ins and outs of the part. The expectation is always that one has a fantastic grasp about how things are employed in their current field, college increases the chance to visit a different side of the industry. No matter what field you’re in, those that obtain a degree in college set out to stand out and they are considered the expert. Let’s be realistic, post-service effort is not what you had been. So why wouldn’t you use your education as being a return – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Exactly like the most of service members I’ve faced precisely the same obstacles discussed. I have been through eight assignments and numerous deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Though it was difficult, it turned out both a private choice and accomplishment I thought I can not achieve. My ambition originated attempting to set the bar for my family, and convince myself I can complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I desired to develop professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching an executive level inside my potential industry.

Ultimately, while serving in the military the opportunity to juggle both roles of student and Airman is essential. While serving being experienced with your work will be the key focus. Depending around the push from each of the branches leadership will drive how soon members move towards pursuing education while serving. Once the world is conflict school may take a backseat. As a result of high operation tempos in select job areas, scheduling is one area you have to consider when opting to pursue a continued education. Like anything, the resolve for a graduate degree is ultimately your decision of the people who would like to build up their own educational path.
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About the Author: Valerie Clancy

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